EDINBURGH 2026: Pick of the Programme - Returning Favourites
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs from 7-31 August 2026
With over 3000 shows now on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, trying to narrow down what to see can be a bit of a task. BWW Scotland editor Natalie O'Donoghue has selected her top ten picks across different categories in the festival programme to highlight the returning shows you really don't want to miss this year!
Shamilton! The Improvised Hip-Hop Musical
Baby Wants Candy's 2024-2025 total sell-out hip-hop hit returns! We improvise an epic musical based on a historical figure/celebrity of your choosing (Genghis Khan, Paul Hollywood, Kim Kardashian, anyone!). Just like Hamilton but (ahem) better! Expect the same level of hip hop, storytelling, stunning choreography and powerhouse singing, except made up on the spot.
Guinness World Record-breaking NewsRevue (47 years!), makes its debut in Pleasance One. If the news has got you down, this is your antidote. Expect four preposterously talented performers, a brilliant musical director on keys and a barrage of hilarious sketches and parody songs that don't require you to know the headlines. From felon presidents wreaking havoc, disgraced royals, to the rise of AI and Ozempic – we've got it covered.
Ten years after premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe, Team Viking returns for another send-off. The remarkable, hilarious and heart-lifting story of how James managed to give his best mate the send-off he wanted. A comic ode to death, friendship and the beautiful absurdity of life.
Flo & Joan's award-winning Edinburgh Fringe smash-hit returns. Watch as an icon of the musical theatre world finally turns the spotlight onto the one story he’s yet to tell: his own.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
The Olivier Award-winning West End smash hit and Fringe favourite is back! The Showstoppers improvise a hilarious new musical every show, totally inspired by audience suggestions, in ‘the funniest improv on the Fringe’
Sold out on Broadway! Sold out at the Sydney Opera House! Seen by over 2 million people worldwide! BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of world champion and world record-holding artists and athletes, the international smash hit returns to Edinburgh as part of its 2026 world tour!
Diana The Untold and Untrue Story
Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know our story of Diana? We very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life. Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and queer joy, this unique celebration of the people's princess has won multiple awards and sold out venues across the world. A loving celebration of Ar Di that is as hilarious as it is ridiculous.
The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much
Hitchcock meets spaghetti western in this multi award-winning, intercontinental, inter-genre cinematic caper. Roger, a Frenchman in 1960's New York, follows the same predictable routine, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion. Throwing his ordered world into chaos, Roger chases his would-be assassins around the globe. Raucously funny and endlessly inventive, this Lecoq-trained theatre company delights and stuns with live, original music and virtuosic acrobatics in this fast-paced, Offie-nominated whodunnit.
The Fringe 2025 smash hit returns! Three actors and a Foley artist band together – in fellowship – to perform a live, shot-for-shot parody of the most epic fantasy film of all time. A jaw-dropping blend of comedy, physical theatre and live Foley.
Fringe fave Baby Wants Candy is back! Total Edinburgh Fringe sell-out eight years running. One of the world's most popular comedy ensembles. You shout out the title, Baby Wants Candy make up the musical. Some favourite recent titles: Sweeney Toddler, Tinder in the Animal Kingdom and who could forget the instant classic HotUncles.com... the Musical?
The full programme is available at www.edfringe.com
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